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Personal Exploration of People, Personalities and Meaning
Browsing All Posts published on »November, 2013«
The Atomic Bombshells are “Lost in Space” (The Triple Door)
A spectacular alien assault on the senses dazzles at the Triple Door as The Atomic Bombshell’s “Lost in Space” invasion leaves audiences weak from laughter. Through a series of loosely connected vignettes, “Lost in Space” launches audiences on an interplanetary adventure with stalwart hosts, Captain Jasper McCann and his enthusiastic First Mate Lou Henry Hoover. Along their journey, we encounter a wild assortment of exotic and sensual aliens decked out in a stunning array of intricately detailed costumes (courtesy of Jamie von Stratton) which held audiences spellbound throughout.
“Lost in Space”, which ran from November 13 through November 16th, is a well-produced and choreographed, over-the-top campy burlesque show designed to titillate and amuse audiences. The show succeeds on every level, driven behind the creative force which is Kitten La Rue, who skillfully weaves a compelling and memorable series of choreographed scenes. Several of these scene paid tribute to sci-fi classics like Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”, Roger Vadim’s “Barbarella”, Arthur C. Clarke’s “2001” and “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman”. There is even a humorous nod to local Seattle coffee culture, in an unforgettable scene depicting three aliens first experience at an espresso shop. Captain Jasper McCann and First Mate Lou Henry Hoover shine as the creative glue that connects these scenes together. They keep the show from the threat of ever losing steam from the dramatic synchronized opening performance done to Richard Strauss’ ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’ booming in the background."
Interview Part 3: Green Tea, Octo Sushi and Chit-Chat with Kitten La Rue of The Atomic Bombshells
November 12, 2013
We have arrived at the final chapter of my interview with the inspirational Kitten La Rue. When we last left Kitten, she had just booked her first performance for The Atomic Bombshells prior to their own actual existence. Astounding when you consider that the gig was opening for the incredible Dita Von Teese, whom in this modern era is arguably the biggest name in burlesque since Gypsy Rose Lee. The fact that Kitten had worked with Dita back in New Orleans, did not hurt her in sealing the deal.
In 2003, after holding auditions The Atomic Bombshells were created and comprised five girls in total. I inquired about Kitten’s mindset at the time. What did she want to accomplish with this troupe?
“What I really wanted to do was create a troupe which captured a similar vibe as the Shim Sham Revue, which was the show that I was in, but where I got to explore my fantasy and my sensibility of turning up the volume on the camp. Which is a signature of my work and The Atomic Bombshells in general. I want us to be cartoon women. You know, the hair is huge and the lashes are huge and the theatricality is total camp and comedy. Everything is larger than life including the costumes”
Interview Part 2: Green Tea, Octo Sushi and Chit-Chat with Kitten La Rue of The Atomic Bombshells
November 11, 2013
Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down at Octo Sushi with the enchanting Kitten LaRue of The Atomic Bombshells during a break from rehearsing her upcoming show “Lost in Space” which opens this week at the Triple Door (November 13). In Part 1 we discussed Kitten’s initial exposure and interest in burlesque growing up in New Orleans, her college studies and early interest in teaching and we began to touch upon the other influences in her life. In Part 2, we will broaden our discussion to include her recent marriage, relationship with her parents, touring experiences, how she came to call the Emerald City her home and how The Atomic Bombshells came to be.
Amongst the background noise of the restaurant, I took a moment to reflect upon the vibrant and gifted young lady sitting next to me as she took another sip of her warm green tea. Clearly she was bright, engaging and talented. She not only choreographs, scripts, directs and performs in her shows, but manages, produces and books them as well. No stranger to keeping busy, she recently got married, returned from her debut guest performance in an off-Broadway musical at Ars Nova in New York, begun rehearsing for “Lost in Space” and also is preparing for an Australian Tour with The Atomic Bombshells coming in 2014. It was hard to not be impressed by this go-getter, but I found myself intrigued about the experiences in life that helped to shape her into the unique person that she had become. I determined to start with her parents. I inquired how her parents reacted to her decision to pursue burlesque as her chosen vocation.
“That’s an interesting question. My mother and step-father…we have a “don’t ask don’t tell” policy because they are very religious, but my father, who is a musician and artist himself, loves it. He’s come to several of my shows. He’s totally amazed by them and very supportive.”
Interview Part 1: Green Tea, Octo Sushi and Chit-Chat with Kitten La Rue of The Atomic Bombshells
November 8, 2013
On Tuesday evening, I had the unique opportunity to sit down with Kitten LaRue of The Atomic Bombshells during a break from rehearsing her upcoming show “Lost in Space” which opens at the Triple Door for six shows running from November 13 through November 16. We met at Octo Sushi, a clean and enjoyable out-of-the-way sushi joint nestled away inside a non-descript building in the Capital Hill area of Seattle. We sipped warm green tea at the sushi bar, as we discussed her life, the upcoming show at the Triple Door and the 10th anniversary of The Atomic Bombshell burlesque troupe, she founded in 2003.
“You grew up in Louisiana.” I said, drawing a nod of agreement from Kitten LaRue, “At what age did you decide that burlesque was something that you were drawn to?”
“I started doing burlesque and became aware and interested in it while I was living in New Orleans as a young person. I went to go see a show there which was incredible, the Shim-Shamettes, one of the first burlesque revival shows happening in the country. It had a 10 piece jazz band, incredible costumes and was very much in line with what we do with The Atomic Bombshells. The classic old-school bourbon street style of burlesque. I fell in love with it immediately.”
Scripta Manent 
November 21, 2013
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